Pope John Paul II has emphasised that care "must be taken to avoid imparting models of the priesthood which are too clerical or authoritarian in nature". He warned this could result in future priests finding it difficult to work closely with lay people and to acknowledge their role and talents."
He was speaking to the Kenyan bishops during their 'ad limina' visit to Rome.
"The parish priest remains the leader but he cannot, and should not, do everything himself," he said.
He also reminded the African bishops that "the ministerial priesthood is not simply a profession or a means of social advancement."